The best affordable skin care products

Looking for some great skin care products but don't want to spend a fortune? Read on for information on some of the best affordable skin care products.

Photo Credit: Kika Bisogno

By Victoria Miller
Skin care is an important part of every woman's' beauty routine, but skin care products at the department store cosmetics counter can end up costing a small fortune. Fortunately, there are many wonderful and inexpensive skin care products available at discount and drugstores. Here is a rundown of some of the best affordable skin care products you can buy:

-- Cetaphil. The granddaddy of all skin care products, this mild cleanser has been around forever-- and top dermatologists still recommend it for cleansing the skin instead of soap. Because it is soap-free, Cetaphil won't dry out your skin and even oily skin will benefit from it. Priced under ten dollars, this product is a must-have for any skin care routine.

-- Olay Regenerist. Your grandmother probably used Oil of Olay-- their products have been around for generations. Now we're in the new millennium and Olay has developed a whole new array of incredible skin care products, dubbed the "Regenerist" line. One of their most phenomenal products is "Olay Regenerist Daily Regenerating Serum". This product helps to regenerate damaged skin cells, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and leaving your skin younger looking and more firm. You'll love the lightweight, non-greasy feel of it. This sure isn't grandma's moisturizer!

-- Aveeno. Johnson and Johnson's Aveeno brand is a full skin care line that is available at your favorite drugstore. The products are revolutionary, as many of them contain soy, which helps to protect and enhance the skin. Some of Aveeno's best products include "Skin Brightening Daily Moisturizer" and "Aveeno Skin Clarifying Cleanser".

-- Pro Active Solution. If you have acne or prone to breakouts, you should try this best selling product. For best results, this product can be purchased as a three part system in which you will get the Renewing Cleanser, Revitalizing Toner and the Repairing Lotion. Many celebrities have touted the benefits of Pro Active, which contains ingredients like benzoil peroxide and aloe vera. The three part system costs less than fifty dollars and results are usually apparent after just a few applications.

-- St. Ives Apricot Scrub. This powerful cleansing scrub is dirt cheap and it gets the job done. It's available in a gentle formula for sensitive skin or as a medicated scrub to help combat blackheads and oil. It will clean and exfoliate your skin, it's non-drying, and it won't clog your pores. Plus it smells great, too.

-- Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer. This product offers a whopping 30 SPF protection while it hydrates your skin. Available in a tinted formula, you can wear it instead heavy foundation makeup for a light, healthy coverage. If you prefer, this product is also available in an untinted formula.

-- Avon. Don't forget this tried and true favorite brand. Avon has kept up with the times and now offers a great selection of skin care products for today's busy woman. Avon's "Anew One Perfect Gift Set" includes their "Ultra Cream Cleanser", "All in One Max SPF 15 Lotion" and "Anew Perfect Eye Care Cream". It's everything you need to cleanse, moisturize and reduce wrinkles in one great kit. These products are also sold separately. Also, don't forget to pick up some of Avon's famous "Skin So Soft Original Bath Oil". This great smelling product will leave your skin unbelievably soft and is a great accompaniment to Avon's other skin care products.

Other tips for selecting the best skincare products:

--Your skin is either normal, oily, dry or combination. Make sure that you know what your skin type is before you buy skin care products.

-- Even the oiliest of skin needs a daily moisturizer-- just be sure to select a brand that is oil-free.

-- Look for products that contain SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 or more. Not only will your skin look great, but you'll be protected from the sun's damaging ultra violet rays.

-- Remember, your skin is more than just your face, so don't neglect the rest of your body. Moisturize your entire body and slough off dead skin cells regularly-- you will look and feel refreshed and rejuvenated.